In August of 2007 the United States Senate declared that September be recognized as National Bourbon Heritage Month. While this may not have much impact with the average consumer, it is an honor for the craftsmen in the bourbon industry. The designation is designed to celebrate "America's Native Spirit" and the significant historical, economical and industrial role the bourbon industry has played in the country's history.

It's been a while since I last posted so enjoy this new blog post on the 2016 Top 10 most popular #summer #cocktails being served at #RaiseYourSpirits. If you would like the 'actual' recipes as far as brands, ratios, and proportions, please let me know. I can't give away my trade secrets! Some of these are classics, some twists on classics, and some RYS originals. Sure, you can check online and google the recipes, but why not contact RYS so you can get the best version of the #cocktails and experience what so many people are talking about.

Enjoy this diverse mix of craft cocktails being served up this summer at great cocktail bars in the good U.S.A. Visit one of these bars for your summer travel plans and have them mix you up one of these delectable and visually aesthetic elixirs or make at home for pool partoes or summer parties. Bars listed under each cocktail recipe. Subsititute brand names as needed. In many cases, I offer you an alternative brand or type of spirit for those hard to find products...Cheers!

Follow this Martini primer if you want the "perfect" Martini. Just ask anyone who received one from me (Sam Sharp). There is “The Martini” and then there are martinis and, quite often the latter has little or no resemblance to the original. The classic Gin Martini, made of gin and dry vermouth, will always remain a classic and a favorite of many.

Being a cocktail historian and enthusiast, I am intrigued by the mystery surrounding the classic "Mai Tai" tropical cocktail. So after some digging and researching, I decided to share with all of you the myths and facts related to this truly one-of-a-kind elixir that has been around for a long time and enjoyed at every corner of the globe. Here is my attempt to clarify the facts.

The countdown to #WorldWhiskyDay is upon us. World Whisky Day invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the “water of life” on May 21st. World Whisky day celebrates all types of whisky/whiskey from anywhere in the world. World Whisky Day is all about making whisky fun and enjoyable. You can drink it however you want (ice, water, mixer – whatever works for you). A splash of water with your bourbon really brings out the unique aroma and flavor.

The development of “De la Tierre” Canadian Maple Tequila didn’t happen overnight, but was an instant success. My good friend Wayne Rezunyk and his friend Troy put their heads together one day and came up with the concept. After a little research and tasting, of course, they realized that they stumbled onto something special. That extensive testing and researching led them to what is now known as “De la Tierre” Canadian Maple Tequila, first of its kind in the world.

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd and to honor what it stands for I am offering up truly "green", farm-fresh, organic ingredients and cocktails for spring. As an added bonus, I list the best fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, and florals to be used in cocktails, infused spirits, syrups, purees, and juices for the season, best way to prepare them, and what base spirits pair best with them. Thank you to Nicole Friend and my friends from over at Sauza Tequila for contributing.

About Michael Nagy & Raise Your Spirits

Michael has been working in the bar and restaurant industry since 2000 as a head mixologist, liquid bar chef, spirits sommelier, bar manager, bar consultant, and cocktail expert. He holds an Advanced Certification in Mixology Bartending from the Professional Bartending Schools of America and is a former advanced mixology instructor at a prominent national bartending school. He has worked with many local bars and restaurants on developing cocktail menus, improving visibility, and customer service training. His cocktail book "The Cocktail Rediscovered" was released in 2007 and he currently runs a bar and cocktail website/blog here called “Tails from the Barstool”.

Michael is Owner & Operator of “Raise Your Spirits”, an elite bartending, top-shelf cocktail and beverage service, and bar consultation service in Central Pennsylvania since 2013. He has created seasonal cocktail menus for martini bars and cocktail lounges as well as for event venues, individuals, and businesses. He holds a B.S. Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and has Master's credits in Education and Community Psychology. Michael has been writing for Chilled Magazine for over 2 years, other trade publications, and is currently contributing to "The Culture Trip", a travel, lifestyle, and culture site based in L.A. and Epicurious as a community writer. He can be followed on his site here, on Twitter @mixitup42, and Facebook at facebook.com/tailsfromthebarstool.com.

"I hired Michael for a Corporate event with ~150 people and he was very helpful in organizing all of the fine details of the event. With two separate bars at the event, he was very efficient in keeping both fully stocked and making drink recommendations along the way. Will definitely be hiring Raise Your Spirits in the future!" Chad D.

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The Cocktail Rediscovered

Are you ready to take the 'bar' exam? This is the only tool you will need to raise the 'bar' for mixing drinks. Whether you are a novice bartender, who likes to play bartender at parties, or a professional bartender trying to perfect his/her craft in mixology, Learn More